[AUTO] At the wheel of the Subaru XV Eco Hybrid: in moderation lies virtue

[YaKuZa--BoSs]

Subaru's best-seller, now also in a 118-volt hybrid version without sacrificing the essentials: 2.0 boxer engine and all-wheel drive

 

 

Reliability, robustness, versatility and safety. Those are probably the qualities that best define Subaru cars, a brand closely associated with harsh climates, rough terrain and four-wheel drive, the famous all-wheel drive Symmetrical All Wheel Drive (AWD) that is present. on almost all Subaru models. But current times force us to add a new variable to the equation, which until now was not a priority for the Japanese brand: efficiency. Hence, Subaru has decided to 'electrify' some of its most po[CENSORED]r boxer gasoline engine models, such as the XV, Forester and, more recently, the Impreza.

We have just tested the Eco Hybrid version of the XV, the best-selling Subaru model in Spain, and the first thing we have to clarify is that Subaru's Eco Hybrid vehicles are in an intermediate place between the 'Mild-Hybrid' or mild hybrids (which incorporate a small electrical system that simply optimizes the use of the combustion engine and powers the auxiliary and electrical systems of the car), and conventional mixed-propulsion electric hybrids (which combine a combustion engine with an electric motor almost as powerful to drive the vehicle).

 

 

The electric motor built into the XV Eco Hybrid's gearbox is powered by a 118-volt lithium-ion battery (more than twice that of 48V micro-hybrid batteries), allowing you to move the car on your own in EV mode up to 40 km / h, although only for a few meters and in very favorable circumstances driving at gas peak. The capacity of the electrical system and the power of the electric motor (12.3 kW) are quite limited and less than that of a full hybrid, so more than reducing fuel consumption and gas emissions, they actually help to contain those levels.

WITH ECO LABEL
Of course, Eco Hybrid technology allows this version of the Subaru XV to have the DGT's Eco environmental badge, which provides interesting tax advantages, discounts on parking meters and easy access to city centers even during high pollution episodes.

 

 

But before talking about consumption figures let's start with a general description of the car. On the outside, the XV Eco Hybrid is identical, both in design and dimensions, to the petrol version with a 114 hp 1.6 boxer engine, and also to the LPG bi-fuel version, the other 'eco' variant of the XV. It is the entry-level model to Subaru's SUV range and measures 4,465mm in length, making it longer than most compact SUVs on the market. On the other hand it is somewhat lower (1,595 mm high without the roof rails) and also narrower (1,800 mm wide). This makes it more of a crossover than an SUV, although the ground clearance (220mm) surpasses many of its rivals. This leads us to talk about driving impressions.

 

 

DRIVING PRINTS
The off-road capabilities of the XV Eco Hybrid are beyond question thanks to Subaru's Symmetrical AWD all-wheel drive, X-Mode function that increases the qualities of the limited-slip differential and surprising angles of attack (18 degrees), underbody. (21.9) and exit (29) that allow you to face any surface. So during the week that we have had the XV Eco Hybrid loaned by Subaru Spain we have dedicated ourselves to testing it on urban, interurban roads and, above all, highways.

Recall that the Subaru XV Eco Hybrid is powered by a 150 hp (110 kW) naturally aspirated four-cylinder direct injection engine, located under the hood and doing most of the hard work, plus a 16.7 hp electric motor. (12.3 kW) and 65 Nm of maximum torque that is integrated into the continuously variable automatic gearbox (CVT), right in the center of the car. The 118-volt battery that powers the electric motor is housed behind the rear seats, under the boot floor, maintaining the original Subaru architecture and providing optimal weight distribution.

 

 

The XV Eco Hybrid's electrical system adds 110 kg of extra weight to the package, 50 on the front axle and 60 on the rear, so dynamism and stability do not suffer. On the contrary, we believe that the dynamic behavior has improved thanks to the use of the new Subaru Global Platform (SGP), which increases the rigidity of the chassis, places the center of gravity lower, provides greater stability in a straight line, eliminates vibrations, increases ride comfort and also improves active safety.

The considerable reduction in vibrations, noise and harshness that previously reached the passenger compartment from the engine has also been influenced by the electric drive, as it reduces the stress on the combustion engine during accelerations and improves the operation of the Lineartronic 7 automatic transmission. speeds built into the electric motor itself. Although it is still a continuously variable CVT transmission and is not as pleasant as a dual clutch transmission, it allows the power delivery to be constant, without jumping between gears and with a linear and quite acceptable level of consumption. The paddles behind the steering wheel are useful for downshifting and not having to hit the brakes, but they are less useful for upshifting and reducing engine speed.

 

 

Instead, we quite liked the steering, more sensitive and precise thanks to a new calibration of the electric assistance, and also the driving feel, which has benefited from a somewhat stiffer suspension on the rear axle and much more brakes. nice and refined, as they are now coordinated with the regenerative braking system.

CONSUMPTION AND INTERIOR SPACE
Now, the time has come to talk about consumption. Subaru homologates a combined cycle fuel consumption (WLTP) of 7.9 liters / 100 km (with CO2 emissions of 180 g / km), although in extra-urban use, which is what we were most interested in checking, we have managed to reduce it to 7.7 in the heat of the heat wave (with the dual automatic climate control working at full capacity) and at legal speeds but with a cheerful pace. Although one thing is what the on-board computer marks and the actual consumption is quite another. Our feeling is that the expense was somewhat higher than indicated on the dashboard.

 

 

We have not been convinced by the size of the fuel tank, which has been reduced from 63 liters in the previous gasoline version to 48 liters in the Eco Hybrid model. We know that the reduction was necessary to find accommodation to the battery, but with that capacity and a consumption close to 8 liters / 100 km, the autonomy of our test unit barely exceeded 500 real kilometers, which forced us to refuel several times ahead of schedule to avoid trouble, something to keep in mind on long trips.

Already inside, the hybrid system does not affect the habitability, which is up to what is expected of Subaru and the available space is more than enough for four medium-sized adult passengers. In the rear row, there is still no room for a fifth passenger to travel comfortably, since Subaru has preferred to install a rear armrest with two cup holders in the space for the center seat. It is useful and comfortable to have coffee or a soft drink in the car, but with the two cup holders located on the center console it would have been more than enough. The boot capacity is 345 liters, exactly the same as in the 1.6 petrol versions equipped with a spare wheel, but that does not prevent it from being one of the smallest in its class.

 

 

PRICE AND EQUIPMENT
The Subaru XV Eco Hybrid is available in Spain in two trim levels: Sport Plus and Executive Plus. Our test unit had the Sport Plus finish, the most demanded in Spain and the one that gives access to the hybrid range. It has a price that starts from 30,500 euros, although it offers a very complete standard equipment.

This standard equipment includes EyeSight preventive safety system, seven airbags, X-Mode, automatic brake on hold (Auto Hold), dynamic vehicle behavior control, rear view camera, active and adjustable head restraints, Isofix anchors, alloy wheels 18 ", LED headlights, taillights and fog lights, power folding mirrors, tinted windows, rain sensor, roof bars, heated front seats, aluminum pedals, leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear lever, dual automatic climate control with dust filter and voice adjustment, infotainment system with 8 "central screen, Bluetooth and Siri Eyes Free voice recognition, multifunction steering wheel, dual USB port and auxiliary audio input, Auto Start Stop system and electronic handbrake with ramp assist, among other functions and accessories.

 

 

The XV Eco Hybrid with Executive Plus finish is priced at 32,500 euros and adds, to all of the above, a rear vehicle and blind spot detection system, electric sunroof, HBA high-low beam change assistant, two-color leather seats with orange stitching, 8-way power adjustable driver's seat, smart access key with push button start, PIN code access and auto dimming interior mirror.

TOTAL ASSESSMENT: 7.5
MECHANICAL: 7.5
BEHAVIOR: 7.5
PRESENTATION: 7.5
HABITABILITY: 7.5
VALUE / PRICE: 7.5